Propp's theory Flashcards
What’s the hero in Propp’s theory?
(Give an example)
Definition: The hero defeats the villain, resolves the injustice and wins the prize/princess
Example: Shrek is the hero who has his quest or mission throughout the film.
What’s the false hero in Propp’s theory?
(Give an example)
Definition: The false hero takes false credit for the hero’s action.
Example: Prince charming fulfils this role in the film
“Shrek 2”.
What are the 2 types of heroes?
The victim hero - focus of villain’s attention/action.
The seeker hero - aids the victim’s of the villain.
What’s the dispatcher in Propp’s theory
Definition: The dispatcher is the person that sends the hero on their quest.
What’s the villain in Propp’s theory?
(Give an example)
Definition: The villain is a character who struggles to stop the hero in their quest.
Example: Lord Farquaad is obviously the villain in “Shrek”.
What’s the Donor in Propp’s theory?
(Give an example)
Definition: The donor is a character that prepares the hero for the quest or gives the hero some magical, sometimes after testing them.
Example: In “Shrek 2”, the muffin man helps Shrek.
What’s the helper in Propp’s theory?
(Give an example)
Definition: The helper offers help to the hero in their quest (this is usually a sidekick and not always a magical entity).
Example: In Shrek, it’s the donkey.
What’s the princess in Propp’s theory?
(Give an example)
Definition: The role can either be where herself is the object of the quest (traditionally to be rescued from the villain) or the reward to be claimed/given for the herp’s success in the quest.
Example: Fiona is a princess, is rescued and falls in love with “The Hero” = Shrek (A prize for the hero).
